# Best API for SillyTavern: uncensored models, setup and costs (2026)

Which API to use with SillyTavern for uncensored roleplay: setup in four steps, model picks, real per-message costs, and fixes for common connection errors.

## Short answer

SillyTavern is free; the model comes from the API you connect. **Unrestricted AI** works as a Chat Completion source with base URL `https://tryunrestrictedai.com/v1`, 18 uncensored and abliterated models, and per-key spending caps. A typical 1,500-token roleplay turn with a 300-token reply on `venice-uncensored-role-play` costs about $0.0027 (checked 9 Nov 2026).




## Connect in four steps



- Create an API key in the [console](/api/console).
- Base URL: `https://tryunrestrictedai.com/v1` (or the full `/v1/chat/completions` URL where an app asks for it).
- Model: `venice-uncensored-role-play` for characters, `venice-uncensored-1-2` for general use, or any ID from the [catalog](/api/catalog).
- Paste the key, save, and send a test message.


## In SillyTavern

Open **API Connections**, set the API to **Chat Completion**, choose **Custom (OpenAI-compatible)** as the source, enter the base URL (no `/chat/completions`) and key, pick a model from the list, and click **Test Message**. Full walkthrough: [SillyTavern custom endpoint guide](/learn/sillytavern-custom-openai-endpoint).




## Cost per message

Cost = input tokens × input price + output tokens × output price. For a 1,500-token prompt and a 300-token reply:



| Model | Per turn | Per 1,000 turns |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `venice-uncensored-role-play` ($1 / $4) | $0.0027 | $2.70 |
| `venice-uncensored-1-2` ($1 / $2) | $0.0021 | $2.10 |
| `nano-llama-3.3-70b-instruct-abliterated` ($1.40 / $2) | $0.0027 | $2.70 |

## Common errors



- **401:** the key is wrong or has a space. Create a new one in the console.
- **Unknown model error:** the model ID is misspelled; copy it from the catalog.
- **Context too long:** most models take 32,768 tokens; trim the card or lower the context slider.
- **402:** available credit or the key’s budget is too low.


## FAQ

**Where do I get an API key?**

Create one in the [console](/api/console). The base URL is `https://tryunrestrictedai.com/v1` and model IDs are listed in the [catalog](/api/catalog).

**Is there a free tier?**

Yes: 50 chat messages a day on a verified account. Plans start at $19/month and include the same amount in usage.

**Do I need to be 18?**

Yes. Our [terms](/terms) require users to be at least 18.

## Sources

- [SillyTavern documentation](https://docs.sillytavern.app/)
- [Unrestricted AI model catalog (JSON)](https://tryunrestrictedai.com/api/catalog)
- [Unrestricted AI pricing](https://tryunrestrictedai.com/api/pricing)

Canonical: https://tryunrestrictedai.com/sillytavern-api